By Anuradha Preetam BBC correspondent in Delhi

As the Indian parliament reconvenes after a summer break, the spotlight is back on Indian politicians.

But even as the media scrambles to record their comments, some are turning their attention to the appearance of India's rulers.

Just because you are [the] people's representatives, doesn't mean you can't wear good clothes Indian MP Amar Singh

The image of Indian politicians has changed over the past 50 years.

The evolution from the home-spun cotton-clad politician of the 1950s to a more trendy, fashion savvy person inside the corridors of power is being seen as part of the process of change that has affected every other aspect of Indian life.

Designer dresses, Rolex watches and Gucci shoes have replaced the simple white garb inspired by Gandhi.

Evolving styles

A politician who is known not to make an effort to hide his flamboyance is Amar Singh of the Samajwadi (Socialist) Party.

Women prefer to remain traditional but colourful

He says the changes indicate an end of hypocrisy in public life that makes it easier for people to understand that a person in the glare of public life too has desires.

"Just because you are [the] people's representatives, doesn't mean you can't wear good clothes," he says.

However, the attire of women members of parliament has not changed.

They are still clad in traditional sarees of different weaves.

But their male counterparts have become far more adventurous and do not hesitate in experimenting.

Their kurtas (Indian shirts) have kept pace with the changing times and are more colourful now, with the prints and fabrics representing their individual tastes.

While the MPs from the south of India still maintain their starched white and well creased kurtas with traditional dhotis (loose wraparound garment), there are some who are known for their more ornate jackets and diamond ear-studs.

Party politics

Seasoned politician and Congress MP, Jaipal Reddy has been in the state assemblies and the national parliament for the past 35 years.

Celebrity visitors have left their mark

He feels that it is the changed economic and professional background of the present day representatives that has done it all.

"The colour and styles have changed with the new generation now. The old ones have gone.

According to Mr Reddy, many MPs now have a business background and have the money to flaunt their taste.

"Some are not from the political background. They have a business background and they pay a lot of attention to their dresses," he adds.

"And they are much younger now, so more in with the times."

Another reason for the politicians' changing wardrobes is the cocktail-party culture in Delhi where high society and celebrities have begun to rub shoulders with the politicians.

Their pictures appear in the supplementary pages of Delhi newspapers, which do a daily roundup of the glamour and glitz on Delhi's party circuit.

Sauresh Bhattacharya, editor of the city edition of the Hindustan Times newspaper, feels that politicians are swayed by the number of television cameras posted outside parliament.

"Politicians wear designer labels and don't hesitate to flash them since they also have to appear on television. So they take care of themselves."